Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote keen on Arsenal takeover

The 58-year-old, Africa’s richest man, failed in a bid to buy the Gunners in 2010 and says that he will concentrate on his own business before submitting a new offer

African billionaire Aliko Dangote says he is still keen on buying Arsenal.

The 58-year-old Nigerian, who is worth over an estimated €13.5 billion – which makes him Africa’s richest man – explored the possibility of purchasing the club in 2010, but his approach was rejected.

“I still hope, one day at the right price, that I’ll buy the team,” Dangote told Bloomberg Business. “I might buy it, not at a ridiculous price but a price that the owners won’t want to resist. I know my strategy.”

Dangote, who has made his fortune through various operations including cement manufacturing, sugar supply and oil investments, says that he will concentrate on expanding his own business before launching a new offer for Arsenal.

“We have $16bn-worth [€14bn] of investments in the next few years. Right now I want to take my own business to a certain level. Once I finish on that trajectory, then maybe an offer will follow,” he continued.

Dangote is an Arsenal fan but has criticised Arsene Wenger, claiming that the 65-year-old “needs to change his style a bit” and warning that the club “need new direction”.